Thumbs Up For U.S. Bank Stadium After Soccer Match
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Reviews are in on the first sporting event at the new U.S. Bank Stadium, where 64,000 soccer fans largely roared their approval.
Still, stadium managers are going over results to see what worked and what didn't after Wednesday night's match between AC Milan and Chelsea FC. And the reason given for the overly-crowded main concourse and concessions is being blamed on opening doors early.
When fans streamed in, many stayed on the main level to scope things out instead of finding their seats.
It was the first major test of the new stadium and by most accounts, it passed despite a few glitches. Any time you have something this massive, there's bound to be hits and misses. But the real surprise won't happen until the Vikings play in their new home.
For most of the 64,000 fans who were part of the stadium's first ever event, Thursday brought a happy hangover.
"It's unbelievable to say the least," fan Jonathan Kurapati said. "I would say 8 of 10 - it was great!"
But getting so many fans in and out of gates, concessions and restrooms, there's bound to be hitches. Jonathan Kurapati found one chokepoint at a popular concession stand.
"They ran out - ran out of food, so maybe they can look into that," he said.
One big change on Vikings game days will be street parking. The city is charging $25 to park at meters. And not just near the stadium, but in this 90 square block zone. Some private lots cost even more.
"I was really nervous about the first event," Michelle Kelm-Helgen with the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority said.
Today, the MSFA chair also scored opening night 8 out of 10. Ticket scanners, security and getting fans in and out went smoothly - despite some long concession lines. So they'll use these early events to make changes, like directing fans to other levels.
"But I think if people are standing in lines for food and you tell them there's no waiting somewhere else, at least they can make that decision," Kelm-Helgen said.
Metro transit rolled additional trains and busses Wednesday night. But at game's end, stations were jammed. So transit timing is being tweaked for future events.
"I would definitely give it flying colors," Kelm-Helgen said.
Both the stadium and Metro Transit will have a couple of concerts to further make tweaks. Luke Bryan and Metallica will be there Aug. 19-20. The first Vikings pre-season game set for the Aug. 28.
